Following an arbitration hearing as prescribed by rule, the arbitrators' decision shall be filed with the circuit court, together with proof of service on the parties. Within the time prescribed by rule, any party to the proceeding may file with the clerk of the court a written notice of the rejection of the award. In case of such rejection, the parties may, upon payment of appropriate costs and fees imposed by Supreme Court Rule as a consequence of the rejection, proceed to trial before a judge or jury. Costs and fees received by the clerk of the circuit court pursuant to this Section shall be remitted within one month after receipt to the State Treasurer for deposit into the Mandatory Arbitration Fund.
2-1004A.Decision and Award.
Article II. Civil Practice · Part 10A. Mandatory Arbitration System · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceRequires arbitrators to file their decision with the court, gives parties a limited window to reject the award in writing, and sends any rejection and trial fees to the state's Mandatory Arbitration Fund.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/2-1004A
Plain-English Summary
After an arbitration hearing, the arbitrators' decision is filed with the circuit court along with proof it was served on the parties. That filing starts the clock for a party to file a written notice of rejection within the time set by rule.
A timely rejection lets the case proceed to trial before a judge or jury, but only after the rejecting party pays the costs and fees imposed by Supreme Court Rule as a consequence of rejecting the award.
Money collected by the clerk on a rejection must be sent to the State Treasurer within a month, for deposit into the Mandatory Arbitration Fund -- tying the arbitration system's finances to a dedicated fund rather than general revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after an arbitration hearing ends?
The arbitrators file their decision with the court, along with proof it was served on the parties.
How does a party reject an arbitration award?
By filing a written notice of rejection with the clerk within the time set by rule.
Does rejecting an award cost anything?
Yes. Rejection triggers costs and fees set by Supreme Court Rule, payable before the case proceeds to trial.
Where do rejection fees go?
To the State Treasurer, within a month of receipt, for deposit into the Mandatory Arbitration Fund.
Can a party still get a jury trial after arbitration?
Yes, after a timely rejection and payment of the applicable fees.
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 85-408; 85-1007.)
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, published by the
Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois General Assembly / Legislative Reference Bureau. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: rejection of arbitration award illinoismandatory arbitration fund illinoistrial de novo after arbitration illinois